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Neuromechanics Of Orthoses
Neuromechanics of orthoses refers to how the human body interacts with orthoses. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from stroke, multiple sclerosis, postpolio, spinal cord injuries, or various other ailments that benefit from the use of orthoses.Dollar, Aaron M., and Hugh Herr. "Lower extremity exoskeletons and active orthoses: challenges and state-of-the-art." Robotics, IEEE Transactions on 24.1 (2008): 144-158. Insofar as active orthoses and powered exoskeletons are concerned, the technology to build these devices is improving rapidly, but little research has been done on the human side of these human-machine interfaces. Active orthoses Active, or powered, orthoses differ from exoskeletons in that orthoses generally refer to assistive devices to help people with disabilities walk. Exoskeletons typically refer to devices intended to augment an otherwise healthy individual's movements. However, the terms "active orthosis" and "exoskeleton" are often used interchangeably. T ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Orthotics
Orthotics ( el, Ορθός, translit=ortho, lit=to straighten, to align) is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses, or braces. An is "an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the Neuromuscular junction, neuromuscular and Skeletal muscle, skeletal system". Orthotists are professionals who specialize in the provision of orthoses. Classification Orthotic devices are classified into four areas of the body according to the international classification system (ICS): orthotics of the Human leg, lower extremities, orthotics of the Upper limb, upper extremities, orthotics for the Torso, trunk, and orthotics for the head. Orthoses are also classified by function: paralysis orthoses, relief orthoses, and soft braces. Under the International standard, International Standard terminology, orthoses are classified by an acronym describing the anatomical joints which they contain. For example, a knee ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gastrocnemius Muscle
The gastrocnemius muscle (plural ''gastrocnemii'') is a superficial two-headed muscle that is in the back part of the lower leg of humans. It runs from its two heads just above the knee to the heel, a three joint muscle (knee, ankle and subtalar joints). The muscle is named via Latin, from Greek γαστήρ (''gaster'') 'belly' or 'stomach' and κνήμη (''knḗmē'') 'leg', meaning 'stomach of the leg' (referring to the bulging shape of the calf). Structure The gastrocnemius is located with the soleus in the posterior (back) compartment of the leg. The lateral head originates from the lateral condyle of the femur, while the medial head originates from the medial condyle of the femur. Its other end forms a common tendon with the soleus muscle; this tendon is known as the calcaneal tendon or Achilles tendon and inserts onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus, or heel bone. It is considered a superficial muscle as it is located directly under skin, and its shape may often ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Robotic Exoskeletons
Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of robots. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans. Robotics integrates fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering, mechatronics, electronics, bioengineering, computer engineering, control engineering, software engineering, mathematics, etc. Robotics develops machines that can substitute for humans and replicate human actions. Robots can be used in many situations for many purposes, but today many are used in dangerous environments (including inspection of radioactive materials, bomb detection and deactivation), manufacturing processes, or where humans cannot survive (e.g. in space, underwater, in high heat, and clean up and containment of hazardous materials and radiation). Robots can take any form, but some are made to resemble humans in appearance. This is clai ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Rehabilitation Robotics
Rehabilitation robotics is a field of research dedicated to understanding and augmenting rehabilitation through the application of robotic devices. Rehabilitation robotics includes development of robotic devices tailored for assisting different sensorimotor functions(e.g. arm, hand, leg, ankle), development of different schemes of assisting therapeutic training, and assessment of sensorimotor performance (ability to move) of patient; here, robots are used mainly as therapy aids instead of assistive devices. Rehabilitation using robotics is generally well tolerated by patients, and has been found to be an effective adjunct to therapy in individuals with motor impairments, especially due to stroke. Overview Rehabilitation robotics can be considered a specific focus of biomedical engineering, and a part of human-robot interaction. In this field, clinicians, therapists, and engineers collaborate to help rehabilitate patients. Prominent goals in the field include: developing implemen ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Neuromechanics
Neuromechanics is an interdisciplinary field that combines biomechanics and neuroscience to understand how the nervous system interacts with the skeletal and muscular systems to enable animals to move. In a motor task, like reaching for an object, neural commands are sent to motor neurons to activate a set of muscles, called muscle synergies. Given which muscles are activated and how they are connected to the skeleton, there will be a corresponding and specific movement of the body. In addition to participating in reflexes, neuromechanical process may also be shaped through motor adaptation and learning. Neuromechanics underlying behavior Walking The inverted pendulum theory of gait is a neuromechanical approach to understand how humans walk. As the name of the theory implies, a walking human is modeled as an inverted pendulum consisting of a center of mass (COM) suspended above the ground via a support leg (Fig. 2). As the inverted pendulum swings forward, ground reaction ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Prosthetics
In medicine, a prosthesis (plural: prostheses; from grc, πρόσθεσις, prósthesis, addition, application, attachment), or a prosthetic implant, is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through trauma, disease, or a condition present at birth (Congenital, congenital disorder). Prostheses are intended to restore the normal functions of the missing body part. amputation, Amputee rehabilitation is primarily coordinated by a Physical medicine and rehabilitation, physiatrist as part of an inter-disciplinary team consisting of physiatrists, prosthetists, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Prostheses can be created by hand or with computer-aided design (CAD), a software interface that helps creators design and analyze the creation with computer-generated Technical drawing, 2-D and 3D computer graphics, 3-D graphics as well as analysis and optimization tools. Types A person's prosthesis should be designed and assembled ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cognitive Orthotics
Cognitive orthotics are software-based personal reminder systems for people with cognitive impairment, such as memory loss. People who can benefit include the elderly, people who have experienced traumatic brain injury, and anyone who experiences memory loss. These devices may be installed on personal digital assistants (PDAs). They may include elements of adaptive programming or artificial intelligence, to accommodate the needs of the individuals more appropriately. Brand name examples include Autominder and PEAT (Planning and Execution Assistant and Trainer). See also *Assistive technology *Dementia *Orthotics Assistive technology {{disability-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kickstart (orthosis)
Cadence Biomedical is a medical device company that provides orthotic products to help individuals with severe mobility impairments to walk again. The company is located in Seattle, Washington and was founded in 2007 under the name Empowering Engineering Technologies. Products Cadence Biomedical released its first product, the Kickstart Walking System, in August 2012. Kickstart is a wearable device, or orthosis, that gives users stability and the ability to walk independently. The device is intended to improve mobility for those in stroke recovery, or for individuals with neurological injuries such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy. It is designed to provide walking assistance and stability for those who have difficulty walking, especially if they experience difficulty lifting their knee, catching toes when taking a step, lack of endurance, or problems with coordination, balance, or stability. The device uses no external ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Shoe Insert
A removable shoe insert, otherwise known as a foot orthosis, insole or inner sole accomplishes many purposes, including daily wear comfort, height enhancement, plantar fasciitis treatment, arch support, foot and joint pain relief from arthritis, overuse, injuries, leg length discrepancy, and other causes such as orthopedic correction and athletic performance. Medical use of foot orthoses has been criticized as lacking evidence of benefit, and practice is very inconsistent: reputed podiatrists prescribe completely different orthoses for a single patient. Further, effect of a given design of orthosis varies significantly by patient, and standard practice to personalize prescription is not available. However, evidence is mixed: patients often report at least short-term improvements in comfort, and other studies have found effectiveness. Fitting patients There are three standard methods for fitting patients: plaster casts, foam box impressions, or three-dimensional computer imaging. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ekso Bionics
Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. is a company that develops and manufactures powered exoskeleton bionic devices that can be strapped on as wearable robots to enhance the strength, mobility, and endurance of industrial workers and people experiencing paralysis and mobility issues after a brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord injury. These robots have a variety of applications in the medical, military, industrial, and consumer markets. It enables individuals with any amount of lower extremity weakness, including those who are paralyzed, to stand up and walk. The company's first commercially available product was called EksoGT (formerly eLEGS). Ekso Bionics is the original developer of HULC, now under military development by Lockheed Martin, and the current developers of EksoNR, which allows wheelchair users and those experiencing gait issues to stand and walk. Ekso was selected as ''Wired'' magazine's number two "Most Significant Gadget of 2010", and was included in ''Time'' magazine ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a robotic device that attaches to the lower body. Its purpose is to complement the user's strength by adding extra force to the user's lower extremity bodily movements. The BLEEX was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and developed by the Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, a unit within the University of California, Berkeley Department of Mechanical Engineering. DARPA provided the initial $50 million of start-up funds in 2001.Singer, Peter W"How to Be All That You Can Be: A Look at the Pentagon's Five Step Plan For Making Iron Man Real"The Brookings Institution 2 May 2008. Design The BLEEX has four hydraulically actuated joints: two at the hip, one at the knee, and one at the ankle. The BLEEX is energetically autonomous, meaning it has an on-board power supply. Development later moved to Lockheed Martin, where the device became known as the Human Universal Load Carrier, or HUL ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
